(Trigger Warning) World Suicide Prevention Day 2024

Every year on the 10th of September, organisations and communities around the world come together to raise awareness about the importance of suicide prevention.

Only 45% of people are comfortable talking about suicidal thoughts - it's time we change that. 

The impact of suicide is devastating. Suicide is preventable, not inevitable, so it’s more important than ever to know that you’re not on your own and that help is out there for anyone struggling.

By having more open conversations, we can give people the chance to express how they feel and get the support they need. It could even save a life.

As we head into a new academic year, we want to encourage you to look after yourselves and look out for each other. And remember that we’re always here for you during your time at UoB. Save our Time to Talk? page to learn more about the support, whenever you might need it.

Where to get help

It’s okay to feel how you feel and there’s no shame in speaking up or seeking help, in fact it’s brave. If you or someone you know is struggling, there are lots of people and services to turn to for support. You’re not alone.

In an emergency, whether for yourself or others, always call 999.

If you’re feeling so down that you can’t see a way out, our urgent mental health support page has some useful advice on how to get urgent mental health support including ringing NHS 111 or speaking to your GP (doctor). Remember, you can only be registered to one GP, so make sure you register with one near to where you spend most of your time during your studies to get an emergency appointment.

All UoB students (undergraduate and postgraduate) can also reach out to us through UBHeard, our free 24/7 confidential listening and support service which gives you immediate emotional and mental health support.

You can also speak to a Wellbeing Officer in your school who can provide you with practical and emotional support. Choose your School to find contact details for your Wellbeing Officer(s).

There are also free confidential helplines/chat services you can consider contacting if you’d like to speak to a trained professional not on campus:

• Samaritans – a listening service which is open 24/7 for anyone who needs to talk. You can contact Samaritans any time of the day or night by phoning 116 123 or emailing jo@Samaritans.org
• Papyrus (HOPELINE247)- a confidential service available to anybody under the age of 35 experiencing suicidal thoughts, or anybody concerned that a young person could be thinking of suicide. Call the free number 0800 068 41441 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org 
• Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - CALM's free and confidential helpline and live chat are open from 5pm to midnight every day. Call 0800 58 58 58 or start a live chat on their website. 
• Shout – a free confidential 24/7 text service offering support if you're in crisis and need immediate help. Text 85258 to start a conversation. 

How to help someone open up

We know how hard it can be to find the right words to talk openly about how we’re feeling. But when someone is dealing with difficult thoughts or worries, having someone there to listen can make all the difference. Here are some tips from the charity Samaritans to help you talk to someone you’re worried about:

• Choose a safe, quiet space, give the other person your full attention and put away your phone.
• Ask how they’re doing, using open questions that need more than a yes or no answer, such as “How do you feel?” or “What’s that like for you?”
• Listen without judgement and try not to jump straight in with your advice or opinions.
• Don’t be afraid to ask someone if they’re having suicidal thoughts. It gives them permission to tell you how they feel.
• Let them know that there is always someone there to listen including the Samaritans, 24 hours a week. 
• Remember to look after yourself, Samaritans is here to support you too.